President Tinubu Mourns Former CJN Mohammed Uwais, Hails His Integrity and Service

President Tinubu Mourns Former CJN Uwais, Describes Him as ‘Man of Integrity’

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mohammed Uwais, GCON, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), describing his death as a “great loss to the nation.”

In a personal condolence message signed by him, President Tinubu paid tribute to Justice Uwais, who died on Friday at the age of 89. The President lauded him as a “phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour, courage and exceptional integrity,” reiterating the description from the headline, “he was a man of integrity.”

President Tinubu joined family members, friends, proteges, and well-meaning Nigerians in mourning the respected patriot and statesman, noting his death occurred as the nation marked Eid-Al-Adha.

Recalling Justice Uwais’ distinguished career on the bench, the President highlighted his leadership of the Judiciary during a critical period in Nigeria’s history. “He superintended the Judiciary at a challenging time in our history with tact, patience, and a sense of duty,” Tinubu stated.

The President underscored Justice Uwais’ significant “stabilising role” in paving the way for the current democratic dispensation. He specifically mentioned that Justice Uwais had the unique honour of swearing in the elected president on May 29, 1999, marking the return to democratic rule.

Tinubu also pointed to Justice Uwais’ continued contributions even after retirement. He noted that the Federal Government called upon him to head a panel tasked with investigating the conduct of elections. “Given his pedigree and personal integrity, he was the right person for that onerous assignment,” Tinubu said. The panel, led by Justice Uwais, produced a “critical report that contained a detailed prognosis of our electoral system.”

“In active service and retirement, the late Justice Uwais maintained a dignified persona, earning him respect beyond his immediate constituency,” the President added.

President Tinubu concluded his message by praying that God Almighty accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the government and people of Kaduna State, and the members of the Nigerian Judiciary, acknowledging the loss of “this colossus.”